National Heimlich Maneuver Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 09, 2022
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi
Doctors observe National Heimlich Maneuver Day.

Where is National Heimlich Maneuver Day celebrated?

Although people worldwide have benefitted from this procedure, the National Heimlich Maneuver Day is mostly observed in the United States of America. This is because Doctor Henry Heimlich hailed from this country.

Who is National Heimlich Maneuver Day celebrated by?

The National Heimlich Maneuver Day is mostly observed by the medical community, including the doctors, medical students, and students who are enthusiastic about learning more about physiology. People who have benefitted from the technique also fondly observe this day.

When did National Heimlich Maneuver Day first start?

 It is a widely accepted fact that the day became known in 1974, after which National Heimlich Maneuver Day was recognized nationally each year.

Who started National Heimlich Maneuver Day?

The American Red Cross recognizes the importance of the maneuver and observes the National Heimlich Maneuver Day annually to make people more conscious of the technique.

History And Timeline

The history behind the recognition of the Heimlich Maneuver is quite interesting.

Birth Of Henry Heimlich

Dr. Heimlich was born in 1920 and became a well-known surgeon and medical researcher.

1920

Dr. Heimlich Gains His Medical Degree

In 1943, Heimlich earned his M.D. degree from Weill Cornell Medical College.

1943

Formal Explanation Behind The Maneuver

In 1975, Dr. Heimlich formally published scientific papers which showed evidence behind the usefulness of the action in expelling an object from someone's windpipe.

1975

American Heart Association Renames The Technique

In 2005, the American Heart Association officially named the maneuver 'abdominal thrusts' due to the physical activity involved in the process.

2005

American Red Cross Suggests Alternatives

Due to advanced scientific studies on the maneuver, it was realized that the Heimlich might be dangerous for unconscious persons and should only be done on people who are conscious.

2005

Traditions And Customs

 There are no fixed traditions or customs that are associated with the National Heimlich Maneuver Day.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Heimlich Maneuver Day

There are a variety of ways to observe National Heimlich Maneuver Day.

Young students can use this day to learn more about the day and get some training so they can also save a life in times of emergency.

For biologists and medical physicians, this day also holds special significance as they use their resources to do more research about it so they can save a life, whether it is a child or an adult.

For those people whose lives have been saved with the help of this technique, they can use this day to raise awareness about this procedure that can help the choking victims.

Facts And Stats

  • The American Red Cross felt it was important to make people more conscious about this life-saving action as every year, almost 3000 people die due to choking. So we should take the initiative to spread awareness about this day.
  • This day is also the beginning of National Safety Month in the United States of America.
  • The Red Cross also offers emergency first-aid classes to young children on this day.

Is the Heimlich maneuver outdated?

It is a little outdated, but it can still save lives. However, it should not be used on unconscious people when they have an object stuck in their throats and enough air does not reach their lungs.

Can the Heimlich maneuver hurt you?

The Heimlich maneuver can end up hurting the choking person if the abdominal thrusts are too harsh and misplaced. Usually, a person without adequate training may make these mistakes while applying the abdominal thrusts.

How do you perform the Heimlich maneuver?

To save a choking victim and remove the object that is constricting their throat, a person needs to force air into their throat with the help of abdominal thrusts.

What are some reasons for observing National Heimlich Maneuver Day?

National Heimlich Maneuver Day is definitely a day worth observing as the significance of this procedure has helped choking victims around the world, whether it is a child or an adult.

What are some advantages of observing National Heimlich Maneuver Day?

The primary advantage of observing the National Heimlich Maneuver Day is that it raises awareness about the importance of this life-saving procedure that may save an unconscious person during times of extreme emergency.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Monday, June 01, 2020
  • Tuesday, June 01, 2021
  • Wednesday, June 01, 2022
  • Thursday, June 01, 2023
  • Saturday, June 01, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi Raturi picture

Sakshi RaturiPostgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.

Read full bio >